A RESCUE operation was launched to help nine rowers who were thrown into the water during a training exercise in Southampton.

The group were practicing in the River Itchen this evening but their rowing skiff capsized near the Northam Bridge and they fell into the river.

The National Maritime Operations Centre at Fareham coordinated the operations and requested assistance from Calshot RNLI Lifeboat, Hillhead and Southampton Coastguard rescue teams.

Maritime operations controller Ian Guy said: “All the rowers were recovered to the shore by the inshore boat and the safety boat.

“Although cold and wet, they are safe and well.”